This new book examines past experience and future directions in the management of so-called 'wicked' environmental problems-those characterized by large-scale, long-term policy dilemmas and contentious political stalemates. Most important, the book reviews current thinking on the way forward, focusing on the implementation of 'learning networks,' in which public managers, technical experts, and public stakeholders collaborate in decision-making processes that are analytic, iterative, and deliberative.

Wicked Environmental Problems offers new approaches for managing environmental conflicts and shows how managers could apply these approaches within common, real-world statutory decision-making frameworks. It is essential reading for anyone concerned with managing environmental problems.



Peter J. Balint is an associate professor of environmental policy in the Department of Public and International Affairs, George Mason University. Ronald E. Stewart spent thirty years with the USDA Forest Service as Deputy Chief for Programs and Legislation and five years on the faculty of the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University. Anand Desai is a Professor at the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at Ohio State University, in Columbus. Lawrence C. Walters is Stewart Grow Professor of Public Policy and Management in the Romney Institute, Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah.